A path has been cleared for a McDonald’s restaurant, gas station and more on Watson Parkway.
In a 4-3 vote Thursday afternoon, the city's Committee of Adjustment approved three minor variances needed for the project to move forward.
The plan, brought forward by a numbered company, will see a commercial plaza built at 455 Watson Pkwy. N., on the southeast corner of the intersection with Eastview Road. In addition to a McDonald’s and gas station, it is to include a car wash, convenience store and other retail uses.
“This is a horrible idea for this location,” Severn Drive resident Matt Wildeboer told the committee ahead of its vote. He raised concerns about noise and light pollution, as well as potential hazards associated with propane storage. “This development is not fit for this area of Guelph.”
Committee members approved requests to decrease the number of required parking spaces from 87 to 79, to allow for a small patio at McDonalds – something not typically allowed on a lot line next to residential neighbours – and a reduction in the length of the carwash waiting line from 15 vehicles to 10.
“Given the urban nature of the street, the McDonald’s patio would have a minimal noise impact on the adjacent residential apartment building,” states a staff report to the committee which recommended approval. “The proposed patio is located adjacent to a future outdoor landscaped common amenity area of a residential apartment building, providing an adequate urban transition of uses.”
All of the proposed uses are allowed in the current zoning and official plan designation.
Several letters to the committee echoed Wildeboer's concerns, as well as idling vehicles waiting for the carwash, litter and the prospect of ground contamination from the gas station. They also questioned why the development doesn’t include a grocery store.
“We want a grocery store way more than a fast food restaurant or a gas station,” reads a letter from Sarah Bonin.
“Most of the concerns have been addressed through the site plan approval process,” noted Joe Lakatos of A. J. Lakatos Planning Consultants, speaking on behalf of the applicant.
In favour of the variances were chair Kathy Ash, Stephen Dykstra, David Gundrum and Karlie Meads. Opposed were vice-chair David Kendrick, Lise Anne Janis and James Smith.
Janis explained she’s concerned about idling vehicles, while Kendrick questioned the hours of operation and the impact on neighbours. Smith expressed worry about the reduction to the carwash wait line.
“I believe it’s going to be very well used,” he said.
